La Trobe University Industry PhD Scholarship - Prevatex Pty Ltd: Development of a Prevotella copri probiotic to combat the effect of western diets and restore a healthy gut microbiome
Background
Applications for this scholarship will remain open until the scholarship is filled.
It has been well documented over recent decades that Westernized populations have high rates of allergic disease, particularly infants and children. The Barwon Infant Study (BIS) team discovered that maternal carriage of a specific bacteria, Prevotella copri (P. copri), during pregnancy strongly predicts the absence of food allergy in the offspring. This compelling finding has exciting public health implications, given the dramatic increase in allergic disease and the low rate of P. copri carriage in the Westernised world.
This project aims to conducted research into P. copri by examining the strains growth kinetics, developing a strain of P. copri with reduced antimicrobial resistance profile, and investigating the gut interactions and affects of P. copri in autism mouse models. This will provide a strong foundation for understanding the potential of P. copri as a probiotic to combat allergic disease restore a balanced gastrointestinal microbiota.
This PhD is funded by Prevatex Pty Ltd led by Prof Ashley Franks and supported by Adjunct Prof Craig Patch, A/Prof Steve Petrovski, and Dr Jen Wood at La Trobe University; Dr Elisa Hill at RMIT; and Dr Fiona Collier at Prevatex Pty Ltd. The successful applicant will be based at La Trobe Bundoora Campus and work closely with all investigators.
Graduates with a strong background in microbiology and experience in bioinformatics are encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the scholarship include:
- a La Trobe Research Scholarship for three and a half years, with a value of $28,854.00 per annum, to support your living costs (2022 rate)
- a fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
- relocation allowance and publication/thesis allowance
- opportunities to work with La Trobe’s outstanding researchers, and have access to our suite of professional development programs.
Are you eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- meet the entrance requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy
- not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose
In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:
- will be enrolled full-time and undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
- have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research, such as an honours research thesis or lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above
How to apply
If you wish to apply for this scholarship, follow Step 3 on our research application page – please ensure you submit a full application for scholarship and candidature.
Please note: As part of your application you are not required to identify a potential supervisor – Professor Ashley Franks is the designated supervisor for this project.
In your application, clearly indicate that you wish to be considered for the La Trobe University Industry Research Scholarship Prevatex Pty Ltd
Selection process: The University will carefully review your application and consider you for this scholarship.
If you are shortlisted for the scholarship and candidature, you will be invited to an interview with representatives of La Trobe and Prevatex Pty Ltd.
The final decision will be made based on your application and interview. The successful candidate will be made an offer for candidature and scholarship.
You will be advised of an outcome within 30-45 days of applying.
Who to contact for further information
Professor Ashely Franks Pro Vice Chancellor Research Capability, La Trobe University, a.franks@latrobe.edu.au